Being in possession of rare treasures, harboring secrets of immense value, and wielding absurdly powerful abilities—such people were bound to attract unwanted attention.
Being watched? So what?
In the end, strength was all that mattered.
This principle wasn't just universal in the cosmos—it had been proven countless times throughout human history on Earth.
Odin's words weren't going to intimidate William.
After all, his goal in collecting the Infinity Stones wasn't to conquer the universe—it was simply to live more freely.
If it weren't for the existence of the big purple population-control enthusiast Thanos, William wouldn't have even bothered chasing after the other Stones.
With that realization, William suddenly felt that keeping Odin alive was in his best interest.
Better to let someone taller hold up the collapsing sky than to have to do it himself.
With that in mind, he casually cast a healing spell on Odin.
Odin flinched, immediately raising Gungnir toward William—only to realize a moment later that it was merely a beneficial spell.
Glaring at William, he said,
"If you were my child, I would have taught you some proper manners—rather than letting you act so arrogantly."
William shrugged.
"Apologies. I've never met my father."
"I…"
Odin froze for a moment.
At over five thousand years old, he immediately realized that William was intentionally jabbing back at him for lecturing too much.
Shaking his head, he closed his eyes and silently examined his body, feeling the effects of the healing spell.
After a moment, he sighed in disappointment.
"The spell made me feel a bit better… but in the end, the result is the same.
What I need is more lifespan, not just temporary relief."
At that, Odin turned his gaze toward Christine.
William did the same, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
After all, Odin had placed his last hopes of survival entirely on the Life Tree.
If it could extend Odin's life, it would certainly work for William as well.
And something that could prolong life was an absolute treasure—no one would pass up such an opportunity.
Christine, feeling the weight of both men's stares, grew slightly nervous.
But after taking a few deep breaths, she lifted her chin and firmly said to Odin,
"Even if Mr. Devonshire's abilities can rapidly grow the Life Tree, I am still absolutely certain that the Dark Elves and their leader, Malekith, are alive."
Odin sighed in frustration.
"Fine. I will find a way to confirm whether or not you're right."
Though Christine was the last Light Elf, Odin couldn't force her to act against her will.
"Go and handle the construction of your temple.
If I find anything, I will inform you."
"Wait."
As Christine turned to leave, seemingly eager to get away, William immediately called out to stop her.
"I want to hire some magical elves to work on my estate—specifically, to help raise Thunderbirds."
"Hmm…"
Christine thought for a moment before responding.
"That shouldn't be a problem. While our kind prefers seclusion, there have always been some magical elves who think differently…"
"No, no, hold on."
William interrupted her immediately.
"I'm not looking for rebellious free spirits.
I need hardworking, reliable elves who can handle routine tasks without getting bored.
If you have any troublemakers, keep them here."
"Mr. Devonshire!
You must apologize!"
Christine puffed up in indignation.
"Magical elves are the epitome of diligence and responsibility!
Once a hiring agreement is signed, they will faithfully carry out their duties!"
William nearly laughed at how adorably angry she looked.
"Alright, alright. I apologize."
Then, with a smirk, he added,
"I need ten magical elves—preferably married couples or bonded partners."
Christine's eyes narrowed.
"You're looking for long-term hires?"
"Exactly. If possible, I'd like to sign lifetime contracts—with full housing, meals, and one gold coin per year as payment."
Christine's eyes lit up with joy.
"You're actually offering payment?
Does that mean you also believe in raising the status of magical elves?"
"Wait…"
She suddenly tilted her head.
"How much is one gold coin worth in English pounds?
How many loaves of bread could it buy?"
William raised an eyebrow.
"You… know about English pounds?"
"Of course!" Christine said proudly.
"Where do you think England's house elves originally came from?"
William was briefly shocked, but then he quickly connected the dots.
If the Pacific portal led to this planet, it was entirely possible that another portal linked to London.
It wasn't strange at all.
Pulling a Devonshire gold coin from his storage, William explained,
"One gold coin is worth at least 1,200 pounds.
100 pounds is more than enough for a magical elf's monthly living expenses.
Besides, I'm providing food and housing."
Hearing "1,200 pounds," Christine—who had little concept of money—smiled brightly, clearly satisfied.
"That's perfect.
Leave your estate's location with me.
Once I find willing elves, I'll send them directly to you."
William nodded.
He certainly didn't think he was underpaying them.
If he weren't specifically avoiding using house elves from Earth, he wouldn't even need to pay at all.
"Sunday, make a communication device for me."
"Understood, SIR."
William played a little trick here.
The device Sunday was making included a locator beacon.
The moment the magical elves arrived on Earth, Sunday would be able to track their entry point and pinpoint the location of the London portal.
As for the Pacific portal, William had already given orders—
Sunday had completely destroyed the underground tunnels beneath Storm Island.
He didn't destroy the portal itself, in case it was monitored by ancient beings.
But sealing the tunnels was just as effective at blocking access.
With negotiations settled, Christine left immediately.
Eager to begin constructing the Light Elves' temple, she didn't waste another second dealing with William or Odin.
As she rode away on her five-colored elk, Odin watched her with a mixture of nostalgia and regret.
William narrowed his eyes at Odin's strange expression.
But before he could ask anything, Odin snapped back to reality and turned to him.
"Let's go.
If you're free, why don't you visit my estate in England?"
William froze.
"Wait, YOU have an estate in England?"
Then, as a ridiculous thought crossed his mind, he blurted out in disbelief—
"Don't tell me… the owner of Folger Manor is actually you?!"
"Hahaha!"
Odin let out a booming laugh, his expression full of pride.
"You must understand, my child—though I am the King of Asgard, the past thousand years have been relatively peaceful."
"In the last few centuries, most minor conflicts have been handled by Thor.
Honestly, I haven't had much work to do."
"So, for beings with 5,000-year lifespans, even if I took a one-month vacation every year, I'd still have too much free time."
"Wouldn't it be natural to find a place to relax, and perhaps… a hobby to pass the time?"
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